Memorial of Saint John de Brébeuf and Saint Isaac Jogues, priests and martyrs, and their companions, martyrs
In the gospel reading for today, Jesus warns of false spirituality. He draws attention to the fact that we can often find ourselves pretending that we are better than we are, hiding from God behind a mantel of respectability. Jesus points out the Pharisees as examples not to follow in this regard. Jesus proclaims that the truth about who we are will one day be made known. (This is perhaps a reference to the last judgment.)
Although there is no group of people today called Pharisees, Jesus’ words are still applicable today. In reflecting on this passage, it seems to me that each of us who seeks to follow Jesus Christ is meant to apply it to ourselves. In doing so, we learn that we should avoid criticizing others for things that we do ourselves. Instead, we need to humbly and acknowledge and confess our sins and faults. We know that as human beings we make mistakes but we also know that we have the potential to be better than we are. We need to remain aware of our failings in order that we can repent from them and move on.
Jesus makes it clear that nothing we do escapes the notice of God. This may seem daunting and even sometimes frightening. Hearing Jesus’ words might lead us to conjure up a picture of a God who is sitting there watching us and counting our mistakes. We may find ourselves becoming resentful of this kind of God. In fact, many people who reject the idea of God seem to be rejecting this picture of God as a divine score keeper. Yet that is not what Jesus is teaching us about God in the passage. Jesus draws our attention to the fact that God knows how many hairs are on our head. God is concerned with us, and wants what is truly good for us.
The first reading for today speaks to this same theme. It reminds us that we were chosen by God, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and are being led on to achieve salvation. This clearly speaks of a God who loves us and wants us to achieve what is good for us, and not a vengeful, judgmental overlord. Although it should give us pause to know that God knows our thoughts, words and deeds, we should also be comforted to know that God loves us and provides for us.
Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint John de Brébeuf and Saint Isaac Jogues and their companions. These people lost their lives in the effort to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in North America. Martyrs are people who make known the truth of God to others by witnessing to God in their life and death. For this reason it seems fitting, as we reflect on the sacrifice of these saints, to reflect on the fact that God knows everything and that all will one day be made known. As we reflect on the readings for today, let us consider the ways that we can serve God in what we think, say, and do. And let us pray for the grace to truly be who we are called to be as disciples of Christ.
-Joel Schickel